Senior Visual Designer (Advanced English)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer (Advanced English)
Company: Thoughtworks
Location: Santiago, Chile
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design / Product Design / Experience Design
Date Posted: 2025-10-27
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on shaping technology projects and digital products through expert visual and product design, emphasizing user experience and client transformation.
• You will be instrumental in creating comprehensive experience design deliverables, including journey maps, service blueprints, roadmaps, and sophisticated design systems.
• The position requires a strong ability to facilitate workshops, develop innovative design strategies, and influence strategic decisions at the portfolio level.
• You will leverage a variety of research methods, from qualitative and quantitative studies to user testing, to inform and validate design hypotheses for delivery teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and responsibilities like influencing portfolio-level decisions and advocating for design expertise externally, this role likely involves significant leadership and strategic input beyond typical visual design tasks. The emphasis on integrating design with agile software delivery suggests a consultative approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to the delivery and conceptualization of technology projects that drive client operational transformation and the development of new digital products and services.
• Collaborate within small, cross-functional teams to produce a diverse range of experience design artifacts, including detailed journey maps, comprehensive service blueprints, strategic roadmaps, interactive prototypes, and robust design systems.
• Lead and facilitate workshops, develop bespoke design strategies for client products, and actively participate in strategic decision-making processes at the portfolio level.
• Apply a range of research methodologies, such as contextual analysis, moderated interviews, experiments, and user testing, to deeply understand user needs and validate design hypotheses.
• Establish inspiring and actionable design hypotheses for delivery teams, comprised of both Thoughtworks professionals and client personnel.
• Proactively assess and communicate project scope, potential risks, and progress updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Effectively balance client expectations with Thoughtworks' standards by clearly articulating and presenting experience design deliverables and their strategic value.
• Mentor and support less-experienced designers within the team, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and skill development.
• Represent and advocate for experience design expertise within the broader community through speaking engagements at conferences, webinars, and meetups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The depth of responsibilities, including portfolio-level strategy and external advocacy, indicates a senior individual contributor role with potential for team leadership and significant client-facing strategic input.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is expected, supplemented by demonstrable professional experience.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design, with a significant focus on visual design and user research. Experience in enterprise or SaaS environments is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Visual Design with a foundational background in Product Design.
• Demonstrated experience as a Product Designer, encompassing both Visual Design and User Research capabilities.
• Deep understanding and practical application of various experience design disciplines, with specialization in at least three areas such as Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Usability Evaluation, Usability Testing, Design Systems, Iconography, Prototyping, Typography, Visual Communications, or Visual Interface Design.
• Proficiency in leading and advising on research activities using diverse methods including Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Synthesis, Usability Evaluation, and User Empathy studies.
• Strong storytelling ability to clearly present research methods and findings to diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in the Spanish language and a minimum of Upper Intermediate B2 level English proficiency for effective communication.
• Experience in stakeholder management and liaising with clients and key stakeholders to ensure buy-in and build trust.
• Ability to design independently or collaborate effectively with designers and developers.
• Experience in Enterprise / SaaS environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Service Design, Digital Product Design, or Interface Design.
• Familiarity with advanced research techniques like Contextual Inquiry, Moderated Interviews, and Product Validation.
• Experience in Facilitation of client brainstorms and internal team sessions.
• Proven ability to build confidence and guide design teammates.
• Experience in advocating for design within an organization and the broader community.
• A strong portfolio showcasing expertise in Digital Products (Web and Mobile).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Product Designer experience" and a list of specialized design disciplines suggests that candidates must demonstrate breadth and depth across the product design spectrum, not just visual aesthetics. The language proficiency requirement points to a need for strong client-facing communication in Latin America.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of digital products (Web and Mobile) with a clear emphasis on enterprise/SaaS applications.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, from initial research and ideation through to visual design, prototyping, and user testing.
• Provide examples of how design decisions were informed by user research and data, illustrating the connection between insights and final designs.
• Highlight contributions to or creation of design systems, showcasing their application and impact on consistency and efficiency.
• Include case studies that detail your role, the challenges faced, the design process employed, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in documenting and communicating design processes, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, and collaboration workflows.
• Examples of creating and utilizing journey maps and service blueprints to visualize user experiences and service ecosystems.
• Demonstrations of how you have applied agile methodologies within design workflows, integrating seamlessly with development teams.
• Ability to articulate and present design strategies and hypotheses clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role at a consultancy like Thoughtworks, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, process rigor, and the ability to translate complex business problems into user-centered design solutions within an agile framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Visual Designers with 5-10 years of experience in a major South American tech hub like Santiago, and considering Thoughtworks' global positioning, the estimated annual salary range is between CLP 30,000,000 and CLP 50,000,000. This range is subject to variation based on specific experience, skill set, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training programs, workshops, and conferences.
• Paid time off, including vacation days and public holidays.
• Contribution to professional communities and knowledge sharing initiatives.
• Potential for flexible working arrangements and remote work opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are generally expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, Thoughtworks is known for its flexible approach, and given the "Remote OK" status, there may be flexibility in scheduling to accommodate different time zones and personal needs, provided project deadlines and client collaboration requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for similar roles in Chile and global tech consultancy compensation trends. Benefits are typical for a large international tech firm and are inferred from common offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Software Development, and Digital Transformation. Thoughtworks operates within a dynamic and rapidly evolving tech landscape, advising clients across various sectors to leverage technology for business advantage.

Company Size: Thoughtworks is a large global organization with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and a broad network of expertise, while also requiring individuals to be proactive in finding their niche and making an impact.

Founded: Thoughtworks was founded in 1993. With over three decades of experience, the company has established itself as a leader in agile software delivery and technology consulting, known for its commitment to social and economic justice and its focus on delivering high-quality, impactful solutions.

Team Structure:

• Designers at Thoughtworks are typically embedded within small, agile, cross-functional delivery teams that include developers, testers, business analysts, and project managers, working collaboratively with client counterparts.
• The design function itself is a community of practice, allowing designers across different projects to connect, share knowledge, and maintain design standards.
• Reporting structures often involve a direct manager within the local Thoughtworks office, who oversees career development and professional growth, while project-specific reporting lines will be with project leads and client stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Thoughtworks champions agile and lean principles in software development and design. This means iterative development, continuous feedback, and a focus on delivering working software and design solutions incrementally.
• Emphasis is placed on understanding complex problems through deep user research, co-creation with clients, and data-informed decision-making.
• Design is seen as an integral part of the technology delivery process, not a separate phase, ensuring that user experience is considered from conception through to deployment and beyond.

Company Website: https://www.thoughtworks.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' culture is heavily influenced by its consulting nature, emphasizing collaboration, continuous learning, and client-centric problem-solving. The "community of practice" model for designers is a key aspect of how expertise is shared and developed internally.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Visual Designer, indicating a level of expertise and experience beyond entry or mid-level. It suggests a capacity for independent work, strategic contribution, and potentially mentoring junior team members. The focus on product design, research, and influencing portfolio-level decisions elevates it beyond a purely visual execution role.

Reporting Structure: While project-specific reporting will be to project leads and client stakeholders, career development and line management will likely report to a design discipline lead or a regional manager within Thoughtworks. This structure allows for both project-based impact and consistent professional growth guidance.

Operations Impact: The role's impact extends from transforming client operations through technology projects to developing new digital products and services. By defining design strategies and ensuring user-centricity, the Senior Visual Designer directly influences product success, client satisfaction, and the perceived value of Thoughtworks' consulting services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in niche areas of experience design, such as advanced user research methodologies, complex design system architecture, or interaction design for emerging technologies.
• Leadership Development: Transition into roles with greater team leadership responsibilities, such as Design Lead or Practice Lead, managing design teams and contributing to the strategic direction of the design discipline.
• Client Strategy: Move into advisory roles focused on helping clients define their digital product strategy and customer experience vision.
• Community Advocacy: Further develop a public profile by speaking at major international conferences, publishing thought leadership content, and contributing to open-source design initiatives.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on projects in different regions or relocate to other Thoughtworks offices globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation, combined with the consultancy model, implies that growth is not just about promotions but also about expanding influence, expertise, and strategic impact across a diverse client base.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Thoughtworks typically operates with a hybrid model, offering both office spaces for collaboration and client co-location, as well as remote work flexibility. The job listing indicates "Remote OK," suggesting that a remote setup is a primary option.

Office Location(s): The primary location specified is Santiago, Chile. Thoughtworks maintains offices in major cities globally, and for remote roles, the expectation is often to align with a primary business region or time zone.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: As a consultancy, collaboration is key. This involves working closely with clients and internal cross-functional teams, often in dedicated project "squads."
• Tool-Rich: Access to industry-standard design tools, collaboration platforms, and project management software is expected.
• Dynamic: The environment is fast-paced, with project-based work that requires adaptability and the ability to quickly integrate into new teams and understand new business contexts.

Work Schedule: While generally adhering to standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week), the remote nature and consultancy model often allow for flexibility. This means balancing core working hours for team collaboration with personal flexibility, provided project deliverables and client needs are met. The ability to work effectively across potentially different time zones may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status is a significant factor, suggesting that candidates outside of Santiago may be considered, provided they can effectively collaborate remotely and meet specified working hour requirements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical/Design Interview: Discussion with a design lead or senior designer to evaluate design skills, process, and problem-solving abilities. This may involve reviewing your portfolio and discussing past projects in detail.
• Case Study/Challenge: You might be asked to complete a design challenge or present a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on your process, rationale, and impact.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues from a delivery team (developers, project managers) to assess collaboration style and ability to integrate.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and overall fit with Thoughtworks' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your visual design, product design, and research skills, especially those relevant to enterprise/SaaS.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, your design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), key decisions and their rationale, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, prototypes, and relevant artifacts (e.g., user flows, personas) to illustrate your work.
• Highlight Enterprise/SaaS: Emphasize projects within enterprise or SaaS contexts, showcasing your understanding of complex business needs and user bases.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your collaboration style, and how you measure success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the brief, the target audience, and the business goals.
• Structure Your Approach: Outline your process before diving into solutions. Think about research, ideation, constraint identification, and solution design.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thinking and methodology, not just the final output. Explain your trade-offs and rationale.
• Time Management: Be mindful of the time allocated. Prioritize key aspects of the challenge and communicate your approach to managing time.
• Presentation Skills: Be ready to present your work clearly and concisely, highlighting key insights and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Thoughtworks' consultative nature, interviewers will likely assess not just design craft but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within agile, cross-functional teams. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these attributes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), InVision, Axure RP.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, Optimal Workshop, Dovetail.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Confluence, Jira.
• Design Systems: Storybook (for implementation integration), internal documentation tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Pendo can be beneficial for understanding user behavior.
• Proficiency in creating clear, data-informed presentations using tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides.

CRM & Automation:

• While direct CRM use might be limited for designers, understanding how user data is managed in systems like Salesforce or HubSpot can provide valuable context for product design decisions.
• Familiarity with project management and workflow tools like Jira is essential for agile team integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned are standard in the UX/Product Design field. Proficiency in Figma is particularly sought after due to its collaborative capabilities, aligning with Thoughtworks' team-oriented approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Impact: A strong drive to create solutions that have a meaningful positive impact for clients and their users.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is paramount.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and design trends, encouraging personal and professional growth.
• Social & Economic Justice: An underlying commitment to using technology for good and promoting fairness.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to delivering high-quality, well-crafted solutions that meet rigorous standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are embedded within agile teams, working closely with developers, testers, and business analysts daily.
• Client Partnership: A collaborative approach with clients, involving them throughout the design process through workshops, feedback sessions, and co-creation.
• Community of Practice: Designers form a supportive network across projects, engaging in peer reviews, sharing best practices, and contributing to collective knowledge.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest communication to resolve challenges and ensure alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' values are deeply integrated into its culture, emphasizing not just technical excellence but also ethical considerations and a commitment to positive societal impact. This influences how teams operate and make decisions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Design Best Practices: Navigating stakeholder expectations and business constraints while advocating for user-centered design solutions.
• Integrating Design into Agile Workflows: Ensuring design remains a continuous, iterative process within fast-paced agile development cycles.
• Working Across Diverse Industries: Adapting design strategies and solutions to the unique contexts and challenges of various client industries.
• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong team cohesion and design quality when working remotely with distributed teams and clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Thoughtworks' extensive internal training programs and learning resources.
• Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops to stay current with design trends.
• Mentorship from experienced design leaders within the Thoughtworks global community.
• Exposure to a wide array of challenging projects and technologies, fostering rapid skill development.
• Participation in "communities of practice" to share knowledge and learn from peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior consultant role, requiring strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are significant, leveraging the consultancy model to expose individuals to a broad range of experiences and expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements on a project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you ensure your design hypotheses are validated and align with both user needs and business goals?" (Prepare to discuss your research methodologies and data analysis approach.)
• "Walk us through a complex design system you've worked on or contributed to. What were the key challenges and how did you address them?" (Highlight your understanding of scalable design and component-based architecture.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Thoughtworks' approach to design and technology consulting?" (Research their website, case studies, and values.)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment?" (Prepare examples of teamwork, knowledge sharing, and supporting colleagues.)
• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in visual and product design?" (Showcase your passion for continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Outcome.
• Quantify Success: Where possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the impact of your design work (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction, reduced task completion time).
• Articulate Your "Why": Be ready to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them back to user needs and business objectives.
• Showcase Collaboration: Briefly mention how you collaborated with developers, product managers, or clients on the presented projects.
• Keep it Concise: Focus on the most relevant aspects of each project, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, consultative abilities, and alignment with Thoughtworks' values and agile methodology.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Thoughtworks careers page.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight keywords and experience directly relevant to Product Design, Visual Design, User Research, Enterprise/SaaS, and agile environments. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it clearly showcases your best work in digital products (web/mobile), emphasizes your process, and includes case studies with measurable outcomes. Have specific examples ready to discuss in detail.
• Research Thoughtworks: Understand their mission, values, approach to consulting, and recent work. This will help you articulate your fit and ask informed questions.
• Practice your presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio projects, explaining your design thinking, trade-offs, and impact clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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